Shocking picture shows horrific bruises on grandmother after attack by fake charity worker
THESE are the horrific bruises left on a grandmother after she was punched in the face by a bogus charity collector.
Lillian Martin suffered horrific bruises after being attacked by a fake charity worker
Lillian Martin, 50, suffered severe swelling and cuts on her face after being attacked in her own doorway by a young man claiming to be from a children's charity.
The brave mother-of-two has now described her terrifying ordeal and says she felt "violated" by the attack.
Mrs Martin was at home alone and half-way through cooking her dinner when she opened the door to a "well-groomed" individual.
He began asking her for money, but after he failed to show any identification, she told him: "I'm very sorry but I can't give to every charity that knocks at my door."
The man then launched a violent attack on Mrs Martin, punching her with such force to the face that she fell to the ground and hit her head.
Mrs Martin, from Basingstoke, Hampshire, somehow managed to find the strength to kick the door shut before momentarily falling unconscious.
When she regained consciousness, she rushed to the living room and rang for an ambulance.
Mrs Martin says she still shudders when someone knocks at the door
She said: "I am in shock and I no longer want to answer the door. My husband has put a chain on it but every time there's a knock or the doorbell rings, I shudder.
"When he hit me, I was just lying there and bleeding and I just thought I couldn't let him in because I was on my own.
"I don't really know where I got the strength from to kick the door shut.
"I felt violated and I would like this person caught."
The mother-of-two said she could not give to every charity that knocks at her door
The attacker pretended to be collecting money from a children's charity
The man has been described as was white, aged in his mid 20s, of stocky build with short, dark hair. He appeared clean shaven and was wearing a navy jumper and blue jeans.
PC Michaela Glaimster of Hampshire Constabulary said: "This was a nasty and unprovoked attack which has left the victim in a great deal of discomfort.
"She was targeted in her own home which has left her feeling very shaken and distressed."